A nurse on a postpartum unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients is the nurse’s priority?
A client who is 2 days postpartum and whose fundus is 2 to 4 cm below the umbilicus.
A client who is 3 days postpartum and has not had a bowel movement since prior to admission.
A client who is 4 days postpartum and has lochia serosa.
A client who is 1 day postpartum and has not voided in 8 hr.
The Correct Answer is D
A client who is 1 day postpartum and has not voided in 8 hr. This client is at risk of urinary retention, bladder distension, and infection due to the effects of epidural anesthesia, perineal trauma, and fluid shifts after delivery. The nurse should assess the client’s bladder and catheterize if necessary.
Choice A is wrong because a client who is 2 days postpartum and whose fundus is 2 to 4 cm below the umbilicus is showing a normal finding.
The fundus should descend about 1 to 2 cm per day after delivery and be nonpalpable by day 10.
Choice B is wrong because a client who is 3 days postpartum and has not had a bowel movement since prior to admission is not uncommon.
Constipation is a common problem after delivery due to decreased peristalsis, dehydration, and fear of pain.
The nurse should encourage fluid intake, fiber intake, and early ambulation to promote bowel function.
Choice C is wrong because a client who is 4 days postpartum and has lochia serosa is also showing a normal finding.
Lochia serosa is the pinkish-brown discharge that occurs from day 4 to 10 after delivery.
It consists of old blood, serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can lower the heart rate and blood pressure. A normal pulse rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A pulse rate of 48/min is too low and indicates bradycardia, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or cardiac arrest. Verapamil should not be given to patients with bradycardia or heart block.
Choice A is wrong because blood pressure 170/82 mm Hg is high and verapamil can help lower it. A normal blood pressure for adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
Choice B is wrong because respiratory rate 18/min is normal and verapamil does not affect it. A normal respiratory rate for adults is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.
Choice D is wrong because potassium 4 mEq/L is normal and verapamil does not affect it. A normal potassium level for adults is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Dysrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that can be a sign of severe lithium toxicity.
Lithium toxicity can occur when a person takes too much lithium, a mood- stabilizing medication used to treat bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
Choice A is wrong because hypoglycemia is not a symptom of lithium toxicity. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar that can cause symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, hunger, and confusion.
Choice B is wrong because excess salivation is not a symptom of lithium toxicity. Excess salivation can be caused by various factors, such as infections, medications, or nerve damage.
Choice C is wrong because urinary retention is not a symptom of lithium toxicity. Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder completely, which can cause pain, discomfort, and infection. Lithium toxicity can actually cause increased urine output, not decreased.
Normal ranges for blood lithium levels are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L for maintenance therapy and 0.8 to 1.5 mEq/L for acute therapy. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L can cause mild to moderate toxicity, and levels above 2.0 mEq/L can cause severe toxicity. Levels above 3.0 mEq/L are considered a medical emergency.
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